A desperate deputy DA who gets a murder conviction against a man for killing his wife, is confronted by another man who claims he committed the crime.A desperate deputy DA who gets a murder conviction against a man for killing his wife, is confronted by another man who claims he committed the crime.A desperate deputy DA who gets a murder conviction against a man for killing his wife, is confronted by another man who claims he committed the crime.
- Bailiff
- (as Murry Julian)
- Bar Patron
- (uncredited)
- Juror
- (uncredited)
- Man Exiting Courtroom
- (uncredited)
- Bar Patron
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe story credit is listed as "Based on a story by Henry Slesar as published in the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine".
- Quotes
[afterword]
Alfred Hitchcock: [Hitchcock is now holding an apple in both hands] Thus, as it so often happens, a life is ruined. A promising career is nipped in the bud.
[emphasises point with hand]
Alfred Hitchcock: All because of one mistake made in the heat of the moment. There's a lesson here for all you good folk. Just one mistake. If Warren had only killed his wife first, he would've gotten away with it. I'm sure you're wondering what happened to the grenade. A little gray-haired old lady came by selling apples, and I managed to slip the grenade into her basket. By now, she should be selling applesauce. She very kindly gave me this. However, I just don't feel hungry.
[tosses apple off-screen; it explodes, and Hitchcock is startled]
Alfred Hitchcock: How shocking. She gave me a grenade disguised as an apple. It's getting so you can't trust anyone these days. At any rate, we shall be back another time to explore further the dark alleyways of human behavior. Until then, good night.
- ConnectionsFeatured in In the Master's Shadow: Hitchcock's Legacy (2008)
- SoundtracksFuneral March of a Marionette
Written by Charles Gounod
Luckily, the premise is lived up to and made the most of and the episode showcases Hingle's talents incredibly well. As far as Addiss' 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes go, "Night of the Execution" is one of his best along with "Salvage" and "Martha Mason Movie Star" and is one of the better faring final episodes of the series' prolific directors (a list that included Robert Stevens, Paul Henreid, Herschel Daugherty and Hitchcock himself). Not one of the series' best, but still a very good outing.
It does have some credibility straining here and there, such as the sketchy portrayal of the justice system and some rash decision making.
Yet it also has the bravura performance of Hingle as its primary best asset. It shows great authoritative presence, nuance and a character that comes over as a real person and not a caricature. Georgann Johnson is very good as well as is Russell Collins, who expertly makes one unsure of whether he's guilty or not. Addiss directs with confidence and a feel for suspense.
Visually, it is not lavish but it is slick and has a lot of atmosphere. Gounod's theme music is still timeless and Hitchcock's humorous irony shines in his bookending. "Night of the Execution" is tautly scripted and explores the topic and moral dilemmas of justice and fate very intriguingly yet with enough nuance to stop heavy handedness.
The story is compelling and suspenseful throughout, with more than enough to keep one guessing. The ending was not an obvious one and is believably executed.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 28, 2022
Details
- Runtime30 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1